Celebrate the Spooky Season with a Perfect Pour

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, Halloween draws near with its enchanting blend of mystery and excitement. At Butler's, we believe that no Halloween celebration is complete without the perfect bottle of wine to set the mood. Whether you’re hosting a ghoulish gathering, enjoying a quiet night in, or simply looking to add some festive flair to your evening, we’ve got just the wines to make your Halloween delightfully haunting. Halloween is never far from our thoughts at the shop so we have plenty of spooky sips ready and raring to go for you to really sink your teeth into.

Von Buhl Bone Dry Riesling 2022 - If you're looking for a white with a fright then this crisp dry Riesling from Pfalz is perfect. Reichsrat Von Buhl Bone Dry Riesling is an elegant and balanced style with delicate orchard and stone fruit aromas, zesty citrus, and a crisp minerality on the finish. The eye-catching bottle glows in the dark when held under UV light, making it a perfect choice for a spooky occasion. Enjoy this extraordinary dry Riesling and its unforgettable flavour. A great pairing for any left over sweets from the Trick or Treaters -  sweetness pairs beautifully with the bright acidity and fruity notes of a chilled Riesling.

Kleine Oranjerie Flora and Fauna Viognier 2023- This beautiful bottle adorned with a label featuring an owl - synonymous with nocturnal activities is a great way to get into the Halloween spirit. The Kleine Oranjerie range is made by the excellent team at Wildeberg, in the Westen Cape. They are delicious and affordable expressions of varietal wines from the region and have earned certification from South Africa's IPW scheme, a notable sustainability initiative in the country's wine industry. This Viognier is from sandy soils in Paarl, with lovely floral aromatics balanced by gentle acidity. Jasmine, white peach and mandarin aromas, while the palate has a lovely roundness of body and hints of stem ginger and apricot. This would go wonderfully with a candied apple under a full moon.

The Black Craft Shiraz Smalltown Vineyards 2022 - This sinister Shiraz is the epitome of darkness. Aged 11 months in a variety of oaks, all American and French, this is compelling, dark and rich chocolatey beast. Classic Barossa Shiraz with intense savoury flavours of thick blackberry compote, black pepper and typical iron-rich beefy flavours. Not a hint of jam here, no sweetness, this is serious Shiraz for grown-ups with balanced acidity, a touch of cocoa powder in the finish and tremendous length. Perfect for roasted dark meats or better yet pour out a glass with some decadent dark chocolate stashed away from the kids.

Loyane l'Eclipse Rouge Sans Sulphite Ajoute 2023 - This couldn't be a more perfect representation of the Halloween holiday - with a howling wolf under a blood red moon this French beast is a must have for any ghoulish gathering. The family 20ha family vineyard is 150 years old and is managed in certified organic production. Their wines are typical of this Rhone region showing strength, finesse and elegance in a region historically known for being inhabited by wolves. Carignan and Grenache fermented and aged in stainless steel with no added sulphur to keep the flavours raw and fresh. Juicy raspberries and herbs are dominant here with a good length and silky tannins. No added sulphur really lets the fruit shine through! Pairs excellently with farmhouse pâté , tournedos, roast duck or lamb.

Skull X Platinum Filter 70cl 40% - If you would rather commune with spirits this spooky season then we have an old Butler's favourite that is perfect for the occasion. Skull X vodka is an elegant style, made by combining the purest water from natural aquifers 200 feet below the earth's surface, and the finest white wheat in Slovakia. It is passed through platinum filters before finally being distilled five times to create a very pure vodka. It's not complex which we like. It is slightly creamy with a hint of sweetness and spice but no burn at all when drinking, even neat. Great in a martini and also with tonic but it's also a great sipping vodka if you prefer to drink it by itself. It would work a treat with shellfish, or gravlax and pickled cucumber. 

Why not elevate your Halloween party this year by hosting a themed wine tasting? Choose a selection of our wines with spooky labels, eerie names, or haunting flavour profiles. Set the scene with dim lighting, eerie music, and a few well-placed decorations. Encourage guests to come in costume and don't forget to dress up yourself—think “Vampire Vintner” or “Ghastly Sommelier.” Visit us online or stop by our Kemptown shop and explore our full selection of wines that are perfect for Halloween. From ghostly whites to devilishly delicious reds, we have everything you need to make this Halloween the best one yet. Cheers to a hauntingly good time!